Stealing Spree

Yukari saying that without missing a beat made the guy’s face turn sour instantly. He then forced a smile, trying his best not to look affected.

“I-is that so? Congratulations.”

As he forced out those words, he then looked at me. Most likely, trying to compare himself to me. Seconds later, he looked down and shook his head bitterly.

His expression said it all. He’s aware that he wouldn’t be able to contest me. Especially when Yukari stuck to my side like this.

I also didn’t need to say anything. Yukari already got this guy handled. The development of her character has already reached this point. She’s not going to be so timid and easy to push around anymore.

“Thank you, Mikami. Uhm, he’s Ruki. He’s the one I told you before.” Yukari then introduced me. But instead of looking at the guy, her eyes remained fixated on me. She had a very refreshing smile as though she resolved one of her regrets.

No. That’s probably what she’s feeling right now. Yukari fell in love with me way before I cut her off or took her back in. Because of my desire, she maintained that relationship with this guy. She definitely wanted to do this for a long time. Presenting me to this guy while being overly affectionate to show that stark difference in how she treated us.

“He’s the reason for our breakup…” The guy weakly said as he clenched his fist in frustration.

Honestly, I didn’t ask them how they broke up with their exes after the day we reconnected. I only heard that while some of those idiots found it unacceptable, the girls were all successful in walking out of them.

Probably, it’s like how Aoi easily canceled the date with her ex to come to our house that day.

That’s cruel but that’s just how it is.

“No. He’s not entirely the reason for it. You see, our relationship started not because I like you. It’s because you wouldn’t leave me alone. You’re a friend I’ve known since we were children but that doesn’t mean I will like you. I’m just the kind of girl who’s finding it difficult to say no…”

“D-don’t say that. I loved you. And weren’t we together for two years? This guy is… what? Someone you met recently?”

Two years, huh? He’s really disillusioned. In their first year, I already got the girl for myself. And he’s still unaware of that.

Yukari stared at the guy in dismay. Either it’s because the guy tried to attack me with words and question her decision or she found it disappointing that after she broke up with him, he’s still this hung up with her.

“Please, Mikami. You don’t want me to say something you’ll regret hearing. Save yourself from that, at least. Let’s go, Ruki.”

Really, he should’ve done better during those few months that I cut her off. That’s the only time he had the chance. But no, he remained clueless as to what was really going on in Yukari’s mind. He was just satisfied that he got her as his girlfriend.

I doubt he even managed to kiss her all those times. I mean, I already stole her even before he could think of coercing her to it as well. He really should’ve noticed her gradual change. Unfortunately for him, it’s all too late.

Yukari hooked her arms on mine and pulled me with her into their backyard, leaving that guy behind.

“Wait. What do you mean?”

A few seconds later, the guy came running right before their gates, shouting that. It took him that long to react. Most likely, he racked his brain about what she meant by that.

In any case, Yukari and I already ignored him and continued inside the house where I prepared myself to meet her family.

He’s lucky I let the girl handle him or else, he won’t be left that confused. Yukari was still kind enough to leave him his dignity.

Well, it’s another story if, after this day, he still tried to go down the Ogawa route. I’d be dealing with him myself by then.

-

-

“Onoda-kun, thank you for taking care of our daughter.”

As unusual as it sounded, those were the first words I got from the Taniguchi couple soon after Yukari introduced me to them.

They're an old couple. Possibly both in their late fifties. While her father already looked as thin as a bamboo pole, perhaps from overworking, her mother still looked rather fit for her age. And from what I could see, Yukari inherited most of her traits. That’s including her bountiful front.

Yukari is their fourth and youngest child. And she’s the only one still left in their care. The other three are already adults and have left their home to start their own families or try to pursue their careers.

The reason for the warm welcome by them was because… Yukari spoke to them about me. They’re already aware of our relationship and that, I was the reason for her change. And surely, she only trimmed the negative parts of our story, elevating me as her savior.

When I turned to the girl with a questioning gaze, she simply stuck her tongue out mischievously.

Well, it’s better this way, I guess? She also saved me from the pressure of how I could get them to accept me for her.

“Uhm… But I should be the one thanking you, Auntie, Uncle. Yukari is such a precious gem. I’m lucky to be loved by her.” I humbly smiled and pulled Yukari to my side. The girl clung to my neck, pressing herself closer.

Her father faked a cough to stop us from becoming too intimate in front of them.

The girl ignored it or acted like she didn’t hear him. She turned herself into an affectionate cat, rubbing her face on my chest before eventually resting it there. Right in front of her parents.

Upon seeing that, her mother laughed at how cute her daughter is acting. She stared at me as though wordlessly saying, ‘Take care of her for us…’ before dragging her husband away to their kitchen, giving us a moment.

Because it’s not that far away from the entrance, I instantly saw that their dinner table was set with a cake and food. A mini-celebration for the girl’s birthday was prepared by them.

After spoiling the girl for a while, I raised the girl’s head, “Alright, let’s not have them wait for us… Let me tell them how wonderful of a girl you are.”

“W-wait. You don’t have to. I’ll be embarrassed.”

“Really? But that’s what I’m aiming for.”

“It’s my birthday.”

“Yes. And what of it?”

“You meanie!” Yukari pouted and hit my chest but that’s all she could do.

While laughing, I grabbed her hand and started leading her to where her parents are.

Well, I expect her to punish me. But that’s fine, her punishment was also a reward anyway. Besides, I also wanted to hear stories about Yukari from her younger days in her parents’ mouths. There must be a lot they stored on this kind of occasion.

Anyway, I didn’t forget to send a message to Akane. I would be coming home late. It’s not like she’s unaware of this day. Her quirk was just interfering with her thought process. Hopefully, that would be subsiding soon.

And because of that, I also messaged Fuyu. Asked her for the favor to stay with the silly girl like yesterday.

Uh. I better expect a nagging from that girl again but there’s no skipping here. This is Yukari’s special day.